MANAGER Les Parry has strengthened the backbone of his Tranmere squad for the new season by re-signing Marlon Broomes.

The versatile defender accepted the 12-month deal that was put on offer after he played 35 games at centreback and right-back for Rovers last season.

Parry praised Broomes’ consistency and professionalism in helping his side fight off the threat of relegation in 2009/10 and said: “I’m delighted Marlon has agreed to stay with us for another season.

“He did really well for us last season and was one of our most consistent players. He showed how versatile he is by playing centre back and right back and he is a very experienced, professional player.”

Broomes said: “I’m glad I’ve signed. I did not want to leave Tranmere. I really enjoyed my time here last season. It is a good club. We managed to escape (relegation) on the last day last season and I’m really pleased we are staying in League One. Now I am just looking forward to the new season.”

Broomes began his career in the Premier League with Blackburn Rovers where he made 39 appearances and won two England under 21 caps. He subsequently joined Sheffield Wednesday and spent time at Preston and Stoke City before moving to Blackpool in 2008/09.

He became an early season signing for John Barnes during the former Liverpool and England winger’s brief spell as manager at Prenton Park last year. But Broomes made most of his first-team appearances under Parry, helping Tranmere to fight off the threat of relegation from League One.

Broomes is the sixth player to agree new terms with Tranmere this summer. Midfielder Joss Labadie was signed after being released by West Bromwich Albion and the 19-year-old was quickly followed into Prenton Park by Timothy Cathalina, a right back from the Dutch Antilles who played in Holland last season.

Teenagers Ash Taylor and Ryan Fraughan agreed new terms and 18-year-old Jack Mackreth this week signed his first professional contract.

Rovers now have more than a dozen players signed up for next saeson and Parry says he can call on strength and experience down the middle of the team with Ian Goodison and Broomes at cenre-back, Paul McLaren in central midfield and Ian Thomas-Moore in attack.

Parry, the long serving physiotherapist turned manager, now has more than a dozen players signed up for the 2010/11 campaign and is looking to complete a squad of around 19 to 20 professionals by the time the programme of pre-season matches begins in mid-July.